Teach Through Educational Travel: Alcazar Castle, Segovia

Did you ever wonder about the inspiration for Disney castles? Look no further than Alcazar Castle in Segovia, Spain, according to popular opinion. Alcazar is Spanish for castle (so in English, we’re saying Castle Castle!). Located in Segovia, Alcazar Castle was built in the 13th and 14th centuries (although fortifications had been at this location since the early 1100s, when it was an Arab fort).

Shaped like the bow of a ship, the Alcazar of Segovia is one of the most distinctive castles in the world. It has a long and varied history – it’s been a long-time royal palace, home to Parliament, prison, college, military academy, a film set, and is now a cultural museum.

The interior was mostly destroyed by a fire in 1862; restoration began in 1882, based on drawings and romantic ideas of castles.

Did you know that the 1967 movie, Camelot, was partially filmed at Alcazar de Segovia? The site was used in the film as Sir Lancelot’s home in France, Joyous Gard. Check out this movie trivia – what other movies has Alcazar de Segovia appeared in? Can you imagine setting a movie there?